AWIN Tips for Beginners: Affiliate Marketing Tips for New Bloggers, Creators, Influencers and Digital Entrepreneurs
Originally written about ShareASale, this post has been fully updated for 2025 to reflect the transition to the AWIN affiliate platform. The URL remains the same to preserve existing Pinterest traffic and links – Mona @farfromthefarm.com
Affiliate marketing has a bad rap in some circles—especially among content creators who just want to share encouragement, not turn every word into a sales pitch.
But here’s the truth no one tells you loud enough: it’s not unholy or greedy to earn money from your blog.
You are allowed to make a living from the time, thought, and care you pour into your work!
You’re not selling out. You’re showing up.
You’re showing up for your audience with helpful ideas. Showing up for your household with a creative way to support your family.
And showing up for yourself by building something that’s both meaningful and sustainable.
Affiliate links—when done honestly—are just a way to serve and support without slapping ads all over your content or pressuring readers to buy things they don’t need.
So if you’ve ever hesitated to monetize because it felt… off? You’re not alone. But there’s nothing off about stewarding your talents well!
Why AWIN Is the Logical Next Step for Bloggers
When ShareASale moved under the AWIN umbrella in 2025, it signaled something bigger than a corporate merger.
It opened the door to a broader world of affiliate partnerships—ones that fit beautifully into niche blogs, small creator spaces, and slow-growth businesses like yours.
AWIN is a global affiliate platform with thousands of vetted merchants—from small Etsy-style brands to household names.
You’ll find everything from boutique clothing and home decor to wellness products, homeschool tools, and pet gear.
And AWIN doesn’t throttle your commission just because you’re new or independent.
It’s ideal for bloggers who want more say in what they recommend—and more reward when readers click with trust.
If you’re looking to grow slow and strong, with income that reflects the effort you’re putting in, this is the place to start.
No viral following needed. Just steady content, good fit merchants, and authentic storytelling.
What Makes AWIN Different from Amazon Associates
Amazon’s affiliate program is where a lot of creators start—and for good reason. It’s fast, it’s familiar, and it covers just about everything under the sun.
There’s a link for almost anything you could mention in a post or reel. And when you’re new, that kind of simplicity matters.
But once you get your footing, you may start craving something with a little more flexibility… and reward.
That’s where AWIN steps in.
Unlike Amazon, where commissions are often razor-thin and cookie windows disappear in a blink, AWIN partners typically offer longer cookie durations (think 30+ days) and much higher commission percentages—some even hitting 10–20%.
And instead of being limited to one mega-retailer’s inventory, you get access to thousands of individual merchants, from boutique brands to big names.
The best part? AWIN was built with bloggers, influencers, TikTok Shop Affiliates, YouTubers, and longform content creators in mind.
You’re not punished for being small or just starting out.
You’re encouraged to grow at your own pace—with tools that help you do it thoughtfully.
And hey—this doesn’t mean you have to ditch Amazon. You can absolutely use both.
But AWIN also gives you room to build something steadier. Something that aligns with your niche, matches your values, and lasts longer than a 24-hour cookie.
Getting Your Blog (or Brand) Ready to Apply
Before AWIN lets you into their network, they want to see that you’re serious. But “serious” doesn’t mean perfect—it just means prepared.
Here’s what you’ll want squared away first:
- A custom domain (no myblogname.wordpress.com or yourname.wixsite, sorry!)
- A clear contact page or way to reach you
- A short privacy policy and disclosure statement—simple, readable, and honest
- A domain-branded email (like hello@yourdomain.com—it builds trust instantly)
- Cohesive branding across your site or social profiles
- At least three pieces of real, published content that reflect your niche
- Decent formatting—just clean, uncluttered, and easy to scroll
This checklist applies whether you’re building a blog, YouTube channel, TikTok presence, or a mix of all three. It’s not about being huge. It’s about looking like you’ve got a plan—and that you care about the people who follow you.
How the AWIN Application Works Now (2025 Update)
Once upon a time, this all happened through ShareASale. But AWIN absorbed the platform—and things look a little different now.
Here’s what to expect:
- AWIN charges an application fee up front. It’s a small refundable amount and once you’re accepted and make your first sale. Think of it as proof you’re not a spam bot.
- You’ll fill out a short form about your platform (blog, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, etc.) and how you plan to use affiliate links.
- You’ll link your domain, verify your email, and wait.
- Use a domain email for best results—gmail and yahoo addresses are often flagged.
- Approval can take anywhere from a few hours to a few business days.
If you’re genuine, clear about your intentions, and already creating helpful content, you’re in a great position to be accepted.
Finding Merchants That Actually Make Sense for Your Niche
The moment you log in, it’s easy to fall headfirst into the rabbit hole of merchant listings. There are thousands of them.
But not every partnership is worth chasing.
Instead of picking brands just because the payout looks good, narrow your focus to the ones that fit.
For content creators in homemaking, homeschooling, faith-centered living, slow fashion, traditional skills, clean beauty, or sustainable decor—AWIN has gems.
You just have to know how to find them.
Use filters by category, sort by relevance, and pay attention to EPC (earnings per click).
Look at their website—would your audience actually click on it? Do they sell something you’d mention naturally in a video or blog post?
You’re not trying to impress everyone. Just build a short list of merchants that make you say, “Oh! That would be perfect for my audience.”
How to Write a Merchant Application That Doesn’t Get Rejected
Once you’re inside AWIN you’ll need to apply to individual merchants. Most of them manually review applications, so this part matters.
The trick? Sound like a person. Not a pitch deck.
Keep it short—3–4 sentences max. Tell them what you do, who your audience is, and why their product would be a natural fit. That’s it.
Here’s a format that works (don’t copy this word-for-word—make it your own):
“Hi, I’m a lifestyle content creator focused on homemaking, homeschooling, and slow living. I run a blog and Pinterest channel with a growing audience of women who value timeless style and practical solutions. I already love your products and would be excited to share them organically through tutorials, gift guides, and seasonal roundups.”
You don’t need to over-explain. Just be warm, clear, and aligned with their brand.
Bonus points if you’ve already used the product or plan to mention it in an upcoming post or video.
Smart Ways to Use AWIN Links Without Sounding Salesy
This is where a lot of creators fall flat. Affiliate links aren’t about shouting “BUY THIS!” from the rooftops. They work best when they feel like a genuine recommendation, not a transaction.
Here’s how to make them land:
- Embed them in solutions, not pitches. (Think: “This under-desk heater changed winter homeschool days for me.”)
- Link the exact SKU or product—don’t make people guess.
- Be honest. If it’s something you use and love, say so. If it’s just something your audience might find helpful, that’s fine too—just don’t fake it.
- Keep your formatting tight. Bullet lists work great for grouping affiliate links under headings like “Cozy Winter Homeschool Essentials” or “My Favorite Small Kitchen Tools.”
You’re not tricking anyone. You’re helping someone find what they were already looking for—with your voice guiding them there.
Affiliate Tools AWIN Gives You That Most Creators Don’t Use
Once you’re approved, there’s more than just copy-pasting a link. AWIN has a whole toolkit, and hardly anyone talks about it:
- Deep Linking Tool – This lets you link directly to any product page, not just the homepage. Super useful for specific mentions.
- Auto-Updating Banners – Seasonal or rotating ads that change based on availability or promotions, so your blog never looks outdated.
- Product Search Engine – Find exact items you want to feature in gift guides or tutorials.
- Coupon Listings – You can grab up-to-date discount codes directly from the platform—makes you look helpful and generous.
- Sales & Click Reports – Don’t ignore these. They help you see what’s working and where to focus more energy.
The more tools you use, the more professional you look—and the smoother your affiliate funnel becomes.
Monitoring Performance and Actually Understanding What It Means
Once you start sharing links, the dashboard starts filling up with numbers: EPC, CTR, conversions. And if you’re new to this, it might feel like alphabet soup.
Here’s the human breakdown:
- EPC (Earnings Per Click) – This tells you how much you’re earning, on average, each time someone clicks your link. Higher is better—but it can vary wildly by merchant.
- CTR (Click-Through Rate) – This shows how many people clicked your link compared to how many saw it. If 100 people read your post and 5 click the link, that’s a 5% CTR.
- Conversion Rate – Of the people who clicked, how many actually bought? It’s a key stat, but don’t get hung up on it at first.
Instead of obsessing, use these metrics like road signs. If one link keeps getting clicks but no conversions, maybe the product’s too expensive—or not a great fit.
If you see a high EPC with a low CTR, maybe the link is too buried in your content. Tweak gently. Then give it time.
Why It’s Okay to Start Small, But Still Think Big
You might pour your heart into a reel or blog post, add the perfect affiliate link… and get one click. Or none.
That doesn’t mean you’ve failed.
That means you’ve started.
Most people quit before the snowball forms. But you? You’re building real, sustainable momentum.
Every time you share a link honestly, craft a thoughtful post, or take the time to track what’s working—you’re investing in future income, not just today’s numbers.
Affiliate income isn’t magic. It’s small trust deposits that add up. And one day, a reader will binge five of your posts and buy through all your links. It happens.
But only to the ones who didn’t give up!
Affiliate Link Disclosure That Doesn’t Sound Like a Lawyer Wrote It
You’re required to disclose affiliate links. But that doesn’t mean you need to sound like you copied it from a terms-and-conditions page.
Instead of the dreaded:
“As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases…”
If you’re an influencer talking directly to your audience and not just writing a traditional blog post try something friendlier like:
“Heads up: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to buy—at no extra cost to you. I only share what I truly think is helpful.”
Then automate it! If you’re on WordPress, you can save it as a reusable block, or use a plugin like WP Affiliate Disclosure to add it sitewide.
Keep it warm. Keep it honest. And make sure it’s always there—no need to hide it or be weird about it!
Frequently Asked Questions (That You Were Too Embarrassed to Ask)
Do I need a huge audience to make money with AWIN?
Nope. You just need the right audience.
Even 100 loyal readers or followers who trust your recommendations are more valuable than 10,000 who scroll past everything you post. AWIN works well for creators who focus on quality over quantity.
What if no one clicks my links?
Then you tweak, learn, and try again. Everyone starts there. It’s not a failure—it’s data.
Sometimes it’s as simple as putting your link earlier in your content, or being more specific about what you’re recommending.
Can I share AWIN links on Pinterest, Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube?
Yes—but check the merchant’s terms. Most allow it, especially if your social profiles are public and you’re adding proper disclosures.
Pinterest especially is a solid traffic source for AWIN links when used smartly (think helpful pins, not spammy graphics).
What if I get rejected by a merchant?
It’s not personal. Some brands are strict about follower count or want a specific aesthetic.
Apply again in a few months—or just move on to another fit.
There are thousands of merchants. Don’t get stuck on one.
My Honest Thoughts Now That I’ve Switched to AWIN
At first, the move from ShareASale to AWIN was hard.
The dashboard felt clunkier because I wasn’t familiar with it, and I had to reapply to some merchants I was already working with.
But once I got into the groove? I started seeing the upside.
The commissions are better. The tools are cleaner. And I’ve actually found more niche-friendly merchants than I expected.
Do I still use Amazon sometimes? Absolutely! I love the Amazon Associates program and the creator tools and education resources they invest in over there!
But AWIN lets me link to products and shops that feel more like me—small businesses, handcrafted goods, curated brands I believe in.
It feels less like pushing products and more like connecting readers with resources.
And that’s where affiliate marketing becomes meaningful. It’s not just about earnings. It’s about alignment.
Encouragement for New Bloggers Who Are Still Figuring It Out
It’s really easy to think you’re behind. Especially if you’re watching everyone else post screenshots of their earnings or subscriber count.
But here’s what I know: if you’re still here, still creating, still tweaking and trying again—you’re doing more than most people ever will.
Affiliate marketing isn’t instant. It’s a slow burn. You’re planting seeds with every link you add, every product you highlight, every honest opinion you share.
Don’t worry if your first month is crickets. Or your tenth. You’re not here to be viral—you’re here to build something that lasts.
If you’re in this for the long game, you’re already ahead.
And if you ever need a bit of encouragement or want to see what this looks like in real-time, you’re always welcome to follow my blog journey.
I share the wins, the flops, and everything in between.
The Takeaway
Affiliate income isn’t some gimmick—it’s just a way to get paid for showing up and serving your people well.
AWIN gives you the tools to do that without the pressure or the pushiness.
No algorithms deciding your worth. No being stuck with one giant retailer.
Just thoughtful partnerships with brands that actually fit your niche, your style, and your standards.
It won’t all happen overnight. But with consistency and care, it starts to work.
If you’re building something good—on a blog, on Pinterest, on TikTok, or anywhere else online—then you should be compensated for your time.
This isn’t selling out. It’s simply stepping into the work with purpose.
And AWIN is a solid way to begin!
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I am so grateful for this post & will read it over & over to learn more of the valuable information that you’ve shared in here! It is so great to have it all explained for me as I start my own blog! Thank you so much!